It was twilight. We were cozy in our apartment after spending our last day in Paris visiting Sacre Coeur. As I began packing our bags, a feeling nagged at me, as if we forgot to do something, but I couldn’t figure out what. Then it hit me – we never saw the Eiffel Tower twinkle at night (insert gasp of horror).
Me: “Kids! We never saw the Eiffel Tower at night! Did you know it twinkles? Let’s go!”
Everyone Else: “Huh?”
Me: “Who wants to come with me to watch the Eiffel Tower TWINKLE? The tower lights up with golden lights, and then they SPARKLE!”
(I did my best jazz hands believing this would symbolize twinkling light, then waited for the thunderous stampede of little feet to the door.)
Ada whined that she didn’t want to go, and Aaron happily agreed to stay with her at the apartment. But Ethan and Chase did jump to their feet – they’re always ready for adventure. (That’s my boys!)
We walked through the First Arrondisment to the Tuileries Gardens. The boys ran in wild circles, yelling to one another, narrowly avoiding romantic couples and tourists. The Tower was lit it up. The wind was brisk. It was magical.
Then the tower SPARKLED.
I gasped. Ethan stopped mid-stride, let out: aww-hahahahah-hohoh, turned to me, and YELLED:
MAAAAM!
DID. YOU. KNOW. IT. DID. THAT?
DID YOU KNOW I-FFLE TAOWARS BLINK LIKE THAT?
MOST DON’T. BUT THIS ONE DOES!
WE HAVE TO TELL ADA AND DAD.
Everyone within earshot stopped walking, and giggled to one another while listening to two exuberant four-year-old boys delight in the magic of the twinkling Eiffel Tower.
Best part for them – they saw the Eiffel Tower at night, and their older sister did not. It was our last real moment in Paris. And it was perfect.
Kristina
“And then the tower sparkled.”
I could not help but smile. Loved the photo too, but the best part was the boys reaction. They will remember that forever. It IS magical.
Myra
I’m happy that I wrote down what he said word-for-word when I got back to the apartment, because while the twinkling tower was lovely, what Ethan said was what I’ll treasure the most.
walkingon travels
And that is why traveling with your kids is worth it. They make what could be an ordinary memory so extraordinary!
Sonja
Isn’t it magical? It’s wonderful for kids of every age.
Myra
Adults, too! I’m glad I made the effort to see it before we left Paris.
Terumi
Oh so beautiful! I have two almost 4 year old boys too:) Isn’t this age fun? Your trip sounds fantastic!
Myra
Yes, this age is fun. I call it the golden years. The time between toddlers and teenagers.
Tracy
We were in Paris for Valentines Day and took the kids to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle too. It really is stunning isn’t it. Glad at least some of you got to see it … and have something special to yourselves that the rest of the family didn’t get to see.
Myra
My husband is bummed he didn’t come (after he saw the pictures), but I agree that it is nice to share a memory with just the boys.
Lisa
What a lovely memory to store away, and what a great moment to share with your boys! I have a talkative almost 3 year old and she really does make each day magical, and not a day goes by where we don’t have a good belly laugh.
Myra
I love a good belly-achin laugh. Thankfully I have three very funny kids to keep me entertained. (Helps make-up for the whining. lol)
Lisa
I almost forgot about the sparkling Eiffel Tower when we were in Paris too. Fortunately we went on a day trip and came back into the city after dark and saw the lights. My younger daughter was so impressed that we had to go for a walk another night so that she could see it again. Such a great memory for your boys!